GAME REPORT

Kursk Claim Commanding Lead

Turning Point: Istanbul Universitesiwere already up against it when they re-emerged from the locker room trailing by ten points, but worse was to come as Dynamo Kursk underlined their superiority with a 15-3 start to the third quarter.

Stats Don't Lie: Dynamo Kursk shot an eye-bulging 68% from the field in the first-half and even though the hosts also shot the ball relatively well, there is just no living with that.

Game Heroes: Seimone Augustus once won theEuroLeague Women title with Galatasaray and did everything in her power to secure a Final return after a mesmerising 19 points on 9-of-12 floor shooting, as well as grabbing three steals.

Dynamo Kursk look well placed to clinch a spot in the 2014 EuroCup Women Final after taking a superb 86-70 road win in the first-leg of their semi-final against Istanbul Universitesi.

There had been nothing to suggest the troubled waters ahead for Universitesi when Shenise Johnson converted from downtown to put her team 13-10 in front and even when they fell behind in the second quarter, it was still only a one-shot game at 31-28 after the same player scored again.

However, with Kursk enjoying a sensational offensive night, they eventually made their move with a powerful 14-2 surge to push their opponents onto the back foot.

When Epiphanny Prince fired from long-range to make it 45-30, it looked like a long way back for Universitesi, although they scored seven of the last nine points in the half to give themselves hope.

But, if they thought it would give them momentum for when they returned, it didn't. Kursk became rampant and went 62-40 in front after a basket by Israeli guard Shay Doron.

Whilst Tugba Palazoglu replied instantly with a triple, there was to be no serious salvage mission, with Universitesi outscored 22-8 in the period.

Trailing by a mammoth 69-45, Universitesi did manage to reduce the damage with a much stronger last quarter, but they still have something of a mountain to climb if they want to turn the tie on its' head.

Shenise Johnson finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds for the Turkish club.

COACH AND PLAYER QUOTES

Quotes: Istanbul Universitesi vs. Dynamo Kursk

Istanbul Universitesi Head Coach Hasan Firat Okul"We started well but after that our defence let us down. Kursk is a good team and we lost."

Istanbul Universitesi Player Miray Sahin"We played against a very strong team. We were bad on defence. The opposing team played well."

Dynamo Kursk Coach Bo Overton"They are a very good team, we know that. Very powerful inside. I think our players played very good today and played together. Simone shot the ball very well. I am really excited for the next game. Our players want to keep moving on to the cup.

Dynamo Kursk Player Oleksandra Kurasova"As a team we are very happy. The next game is at home which is good and I hope we play even better next time."